Charlie Daniels Recovers After Pacemaker Surgery

"I am feeling so much better."

Bob Paxman

Charlie Daniels is on the road to recovery after having a pacemaker implanted Thursday (March 28) at a Nashville-area hospital. The 76-year-old entertainer plans to be released from the hospital on Friday (March 29), just in time for the Easter holiday.

Earlier in the week, Charlie was diagnosed with a case of pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital for a series of routine tests. The tests revealed that Charlie needed a pacemaker to regulate his heart rate.

"I just had not been feeling well and wanted to get checked out," Charlie noted in a statement. "I am thankful the doctors found the problem and were able to get my heart rate regulated." Charlie added that he is feeling "so much better" and was looking forward to spending Easter with his family. He will spend the next two weeks at his home outside Nashville to rest and continue his recovery.

Though he will be at home, Charlie has been forced to cancel a performance at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as part of the World Outreach Church Easter service. A couple of dates with the Charlie Daniels Band—April 5 in Englewood, N.J., and April 6 in Newark, Ohio—have also been canceled. The good news is that he will be able to get back on the road and resume his touring dates starting April 11 in Lynchburg, Va.